Cure
The only cure for SCD is bone marrow transplant. Bone marrow transplants consist of first finding a donor. When a donor is found the Sickle Cell Disease Warrior begins with getting several test before they undergo Chemo. Chemo just like for Cancer patients, makes them sick, loss of hair, and pain. For the transplant to work, the bone marrow must be a close match. Usually, the best donor is a brother or sister. Bone marrow or stem cell transplants are used only in cases of severe SCD for children who have minimal organ damage from the disease. Even though the transplant may initially take, there is a chance that the body could after a year start to reject the bone marrow transplant and the patient will have to go through the whole process again.
DONATE NOW
SCD is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Healthy red blood cells are round, and they move through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. In someone who has SCD, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”. The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells. Also, when they travel through small blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood flow. This can cause pain and other serious problems such infection, acute chest syndrome and stroke.
Pain Crisis
Pain is the most common complication of SCD, and the number 1 reason that people with SCD go to the emergency room or hospital. Sickle cells travel through small blood vessels and at times get stuck and clog the flow of blood. Pain can start suddenly, and with a vengeance. It can last for any length of time and it can be mild to severe. This pain begins at birth and ends when either there is a cure or sadly until their death. Support is needed when one is going through this type of pain. Kt-DTP is here to provide support and encouragement. We call people with SCD Warriors. They war their way through by dancing through their pain, and when they receive the outpour of love knowing they are not in this fight alone.